Used as a method of "macking" by both men and women. To holla, get play, get the digits and etc. pronounced (sweetie ay) say ending sound as day. Manily used toward someone that the man dosen't know. Men prefer to used sweetie in New Orleans to increase their chances of getting the digits, play and for brownie points. Sweetie is a term that they feel is less offensive. After all what woman would take being called sweet as an insult. (hmmmmmm) (lol)